
Vintage Carved Bone and Silver Frangipani (Plumeria) Brooch
This is a vintage cluster brooch featuring three expertly carved frangipani (plumeria) blossoms set against a metallic leaf backplate. Each flower is hand-carved, likely from animal bone or possibly early celluloid/ivory-effect plastic, showing a creamy off-white color with hand-painted yellow accents at the center to mimic the natural coloration of the blossom. The petals are arranged in an overlapping five-point star pattern. The secondary structural element is a large, textured silver-toned metal leaf with visible oxidation and tarnish, suggesting a likely sterling or silver-plated composition. The piece is housed in its original or period-appropriate presentation box, which features a green velvet display bed and a satin-lined lid. There is noticeable wear on the box's outer edges and some surface dust on the velvet. The brooch itself shows light patina on the metal and minor age-appropriate yellowing of the carved material. The style is consistent with mid-20th-century floral costume jewelry, possibly originating from Hawaii or East Asia as a tourist souvenir or boutique fashion accessory. The craftsmanship shows high attention to detail in the organic shape of the petals and the realistic vein textures on the metallic leaf backing.
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Estimated Value
$125 - $185
Basic Information
Category
Vintage Jewelry / Collectible Brooches
Appraised On
March 16, 2026
Estimated Value
$125 - $185
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
Old
Item Description
This is a vintage cluster brooch featuring three expertly carved frangipani (plumeria) blossoms set against a metallic leaf backplate. Each flower is hand-carved, likely from animal bone or possibly early celluloid/ivory-effect plastic, showing a creamy off-white color with hand-painted yellow accents at the center to mimic the natural coloration of the blossom. The petals are arranged in an overlapping five-point star pattern. The secondary structural element is a large, textured silver-toned metal leaf with visible oxidation and tarnish, suggesting a likely sterling or silver-plated composition. The piece is housed in its original or period-appropriate presentation box, which features a green velvet display bed and a satin-lined lid. There is noticeable wear on the box's outer edges and some surface dust on the velvet. The brooch itself shows light patina on the metal and minor age-appropriate yellowing of the carved material. The style is consistent with mid-20th-century floral costume jewelry, possibly originating from Hawaii or East Asia as a tourist souvenir or boutique fashion accessory. The craftsmanship shows high attention to detail in the organic shape of the petals and the realistic vein textures on the metallic leaf backing.
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